Mineral and aerated waters market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for mineral and aerated waters in the Netherlands contracted from 506.3 million liters to 363.8 million liters, with domestic production also falling. Warm and dry summers in 2018 and 2019 boosted demand for drinking water, supporting the initial market size. Stringent regulations for natural mineral water, including bottling at the source and strict labeling rules enforced by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), shaped the market throughout this period.

From 2021 to 2023, import volumes fluctuated sharply, peaking at 834.6 million liters in 2023. The rise in supermarket sales of products with sustainability labels in 2021 reflected growing consumer preference for eco-friendly options, likely increasing demand for mineral water. In 2023, the implementation of the revised European Drinking Water Directive into Dutch law reinforced water quality standards, which may have further stimulated import demand. The National Water Program 2022‑2027, focusing on water management and climate adaptation, provided a regulatory framework influencing water availability and quality.

In 2024 and 2025, import volumes decreased to 395.5 million liters and 372.0 million liters respectively, while exports remained steady at around 80‑85 million liters per year.

Production mineral and aerated waters in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, M l

The Netherlands experienced a second consecutive year of declining mineral and aerated water production. In 2020, production reached 94.9 million liters, marking a significant 16.4% drop from the previous year. Over the 2018-2020 period, production fell by 27.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

Exports mineral and aerated waters from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, M l

Mineral and aerated water exports from the Netherlands grew for the second year in a row. In 2021, export volume hit 87.0 million liters, up 14.3% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports increased by 34.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 62.8 million liters, which saw a 2.8% decline. This was followed by a sharp 21.1% increase in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, China, and Bunkers were the key partners for the Netherlands' mineral and aerated water exports in volume terms. Belgium accounted for 32.8% of exports, China for 17.0%, and Bunkers for 7.2%, together making up 57.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The Netherlands saw a second consecutive year of growth in mineral and aerated water export value. In 2021, exports totaled 48.8 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 32.3% rise from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value increased by 45.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 28.4 million US dollars, which experienced a 15.0% decline.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates led as the top buyers of mineral and aerated waters from the Netherlands in value terms. China accounted for 28.3% of exports, Belgium for 21.9%, and the UAE for 6.9%, with their combined share reaching 57.0% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021

Imports mineral and aerated waters to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, M l

After two years of decline, mineral and aerated water imports to the Netherlands rebounded. In 2021, imports reached 496.1 million liters, showing a substantial 43.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 12.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest import volume was in 2020 at 345.0 million liters, following a 15.5% drop in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021, M l

From 2018 to 2021, Belgium, Germany, and France were the primary sources for the Netherlands' mineral and aerated water imports in volume terms. Belgium contributed 44.8% of imports, Germany 32.7%, and France 18.4%, together accounting for 96.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, mineral and aerated water import value to the Netherlands increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 109.9 million US dollars, representing a moderate 5.4% advance from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value decreased by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 104.3 million US dollars, after a 13.3% decline in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

During 2018-2021, Belgium, Germany, and France remained the main sources for mineral and aerated water imports to the Netherlands in value terms. Belgium accounted for 51.0% of imports, Germany for 22.8%, and France for 19.9%, together making up 93.7% of total import value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the Netherlands in value, 2018-2021